If you’re a cat owner in North Vancouver or West Vancouver, understanding your feline companion’s vaccination schedule is one of the most important aspects of responsible pet care. Vaccinating your cat not only protects them from deadly and highly contagious diseases but also contributes to the overall safety of your household, neighborhood, and local pet communities.
Whether you’re a first-time kitten parent or an experienced cat owner, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential cat vaccinations, their timing, technical terms explained in plain language, and how you can access affordable, high-quality veterinary care through North Care Animal Hospital.
Why Are Cat Vaccinations Important?
Cats, like humans, can contract infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Many of these illnesses are preventable through routine vaccination. In unvaccinated cats, these diseases can result in severe illness, long-term health issues, or even death.
Vaccinations:
Strengthen your cat’s immune system
Prevent the spread of disease to other pets
Are required for boarding, grooming, and travel
Are mandated by law (e.g., rabies vaccination)
Protecting your cat means protecting your family too. Some zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can transfer from animals to humans—can be prevented with the right vaccine schedule.
Core vs. Non-Core Cat Vaccines
Cat vaccinations are generally divided into core vaccines (essential for all cats) and non-core vaccines (recommended based on lifestyle and risk exposure).
🐾 Core Vaccines for Cats
These are the baseline vaccinations every cat should receive, regardless of whether they’re an indoor or outdoor cat.
| Vaccine | Disease Prevented | Initial Dose | Booster Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| FVRCP | Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia | 6-8 weeks | Every 3 years after initial series |
| Rabies | Rabies Virus (fatal, zoonotic) | 12-16 weeks | Every 1-3 years (as per law) |
🐾 Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
| Vaccine | Disease Prevented | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FeLV | Feline Leukemia Virus | Kittens, outdoor cats |
| Bordetella | Respiratory Bacteria | Multi-cat households, boarding cats |
| Chlamydia | Feline Chlamydiosis | High-risk populations |
Kitten Vaccination Schedule (0-16 Weeks)
If you’ve recently welcomed a new kitten into your home, congratulations! Now is the perfect time to start your kitten vaccination schedule. Here’s what to expect during those first few crucial months:
| Age | Vaccine(s) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | FVRCP (1st dose) | Protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections |
| 10–12 weeks | FVRCP (2nd dose), FeLV (1st dose) | Strengthen immunity; protect outdoor-exposed kittens |
| 14–16 weeks | FVRCP (final dose), FeLV (2nd dose), Rabies | Complete core series and legally required protection |
Following the initial series, your kitten will require booster shots to maintain immunity throughout their life.
Adult Cat Vaccination: Annual & Booster Shots
After the kitten vaccination phase, adult cats require booster vaccines to maintain immunity. This is especially important for cats who roam outdoors, interact with other pets, or may come into contact with unvaccinated animals.
Recommended Annual Vet Visit Checklist for Cats:
Rabies booster (as per provincial law)
FVRCP booster (every 3 years)
FeLV (if lifestyle risk persists)
Wellness exam and bloodwork
Dental checkup
Indoor Cats Still Need Vaccinations
Many cat owners in North Vancouver and West Vancouver believe that indoor cats are safe from disease. However, pathogens can travel on shoes, clothing, or through open windows. Also, in emergency cases where a cat escapes or is hospitalized, unvaccinated pets are at greater risk.
Our in-home veterinary services ensure your indoor cat receives vaccinations in the comfort of your home—ideal for cats who experience travel anxiety or aggressive stress responses.
Symptoms of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Cats
Here are a few warning signs that your cat may have contracted a preventable illness:
Sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge (FVR)
Loss of appetite and vomiting (Panleukopenia)
Weight loss and persistent infections (FeLV)
Disorientation, aggression (Rabies – emergency)
If your cat displays any of these signs, seek immediate help from our pet emergency services.
Serving North Vancouver & West Vancouver Pet Owners
Although North Care Animal Hospital is located in North Vancouver, we’re just minutes from West Vancouver, making us a top-rated choice for pet owners in both communities.
📍 Address: 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6
📞 Phone: 604-984-1464
📧 Email: northcareanimalhospital@gmail.com
🕒 Hours: Open 7 Days a Week | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
We offer:
Walk-in services (no appointment required)
Same-day appointments
Affordable vaccine packages
Mobile vet services for West Vancouver and North Vancouver families
We are proud to serve cats of all ages, and our experienced team ensures a stress-free experience for your beloved feline.
Book Your Cat’s Vaccination Appointment Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Routine vaccinations are one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect your cat from potentially deadly diseases. Our veterinary team at North Care Animal Hospital makes it easy, convenient, and affordable.
📞 Call us today at 604-984-1464 to speak to our staff, or simply walk in during our extended business hours.
Whether you live in North Vancouver or nearby West Vancouver, we’re just around the corner to provide trusted veterinary care for your feline friend.
Prefer at-home care? Ask about our mobile veterinary visits for stress-free vaccination at your doorstep.
Let us help your cat live a long, healthy, and vaccinated life.